Resilience Over Everything: My Journey From GRAMMY®-Nominated Artist to Author and Changemaker
- Oct 3, 2025
- 4 min read
By Glenda Benevides
People often look at my life and see the glossy moments — a GRAMMY® nomination, my work as a singer-songwriter, bestselling author, and creator of retreats that inspire and empower women around the world. They see the stages, the lights, the music, and the smiles. They see four books: Courage, Find Your Fire and Ignite Action in Your Life, Soul on Fire, Own the Goddess Within and Grimoire of Lost Lore. What they don’t always see is the grit behind the glamour — the countless setbacks, the stressful moments, the calls that don’t get back to you, and the times when I wondered if I could keep going.
If there’s one truth I’ve learned, it’s this: working hard doesn’t guarantee success. Resilience does.
The Myth of “Hard Work Guarantees Success”
From an early age, I believed in the promise that if you worked hard enough, success was inevitable. I poured myself into my craft, practicing for hours, networking, learning the business side of music, and saying “yes” to every opportunity. I recorded, toured, collaborated, and constantly pushed myself to grow.
But here’s the thing — the world doesn’t always reward effort with immediate results. There were times I was doing everything right and still wasn’t breaking through in the way I imagined. I watched other artists skyrocket to fame seemingly overnight, and I wondered: Why not me?
It was in those moments that I discovered the deeper truth. Success isn’t just about effort — it’s about the ability to keep going when effort doesn’t pay off right away. It’s about adaptability, persistence, and the willingness to rise again after each setback. That’s resilience. It’s my mindset and owning what I might consider a failure and turn it into what’s next!
My Journey — The Long Road to Now
When I look back, my life has been a tapestry woven from so many creative threads. I’ve been a recording artist, a producer, a live performer, a storyteller, hip hop dancer, script writer and more. I’ve written songs that have touched people’s hearts, and I’ve authored books that have sparked transformation in readers’ lives.
My creative ventures extend into multimedia, from theatrical musicals like Divine Lust, to immersive retreat experiences under my company, GoddessCodeVIP where multimedia, music, storytelling and connection come alive.
I’m a Recording Academy voting member and a GRAMMY®-nominated artist — accomplishments that didn’t happen overnight. They were the result of showing up again and again, even when the industry seemed impenetrable. Along the way, I’ve built a business that creates music, retreats, podcasts, merchandise, and multimedia experiences — all with the mission of awakening self-expression, healing, and empowerment.
But my career hasn’t been a straight upward climb. There have been financial challenges, industry politics, huge personal losses, and moments of deep dark doubt. There were tours that fell through, projects that didn’t land, and opportunities that were promised but never materialized. Each time, I had to decide: quit or keep going? And every time, I chose to keep going.
The Role of Passion in Finding Purpose
What kept me going? Passion to make a difference for others. That fire in my belly that no disappointment could extinguish.
For me, passion has always been rooted in the belief that music and storytelling have the power to heal, connect, and inspire. It’s not just about entertaining — it’s about creating experiences that move people, help them see themselves differently, and remind them of their own strength.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that passion isn’t just a feeling — it’s a compass. It points you toward the work you’re meant to do in the world. And when you follow it, you eventually stumble into your purpose.
My purpose is clear: to awaken courage, confidence, and freedom in others. To create spaces — whether through a song, a book, a retreat, or a live show — where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. And with purpose comes the most rewarding thing of all: the ability to give back.
Giving Back and Creating Impact
Giving back is not just about charity or volunteer work — it’s about pouring your gifts, time, and heart into the service of others.
In my retreats, I see people/women arrive tired, stressed, and unsure of their next step. By the time they leave, they’re lit up from within, connected to their own strength and creativity again. That transformation is my fuel.
Through my books, I’ve had the honor of guiding readers through self-reflection, helping them ignite their inner fire and take action in their own lives. And through my music, I’ve connected with people around the world, sometimes in the most unexpected ways — a fan writing to tell me a song helped them through grief, or a listener sharing that one lyric gave them the courage to make a life-changing decision. It’s always surprising what people will take away from my song.
These moments remind me why I do what I do — they are the real “success” story.
Resilience: The Real Secret to Success
If you’re reading this and chasing your own dream, here’s what I want you to know: there will be obstacles. There will be long stretches where nothing seems to move forward. You may question yourself. You may even think about giving up.
Don’t.
Resilience isn’t about never falling — it’s about getting back up every single time. It’s about shifting your strategy, learning from your mistakes, and finding new ways forward. It’s about holding your vision close, even when it feels far away.
And here’s the most beautiful part — the journey itself will shape you into the person who can handle the success when it comes.
Final Thoughts — Keep Going
I stand where I am today not because I never failed, but because I never quit. I’ve learned that when you lead with passion, live with purpose, and give back generously, the definition of “success” changes. It becomes less about fame, awards, or numbers — and more about impact, connection, and the legacy you leave behind and Knowing YOU!
If you have a dream, protect it. Nurture it. Fight for it. Work hard, yes, but more importantly — stay resilient. Because it’s not the hours you put in that guarantee you’ll get there — it’s the heart you put in, over and over again, no matter what.
Keep going. Your moment will come. And when it does, you’ll realize it was the journey — every twist, turn, and climb — that made it all worth it.
Connect With Glenda
IG: glendabenevidesmusic
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